Round The Shows

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 500, 1 November 1928, Page 15

Round The Shows

“THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER”

Pictures will break almost any good resolution a player may make. Take, for instance, the case of Marjorie Beebe, the whimsical comedienne with the auburn hair. It has been Miss Beebe’s boast that she had never entered a bathing beauty contest, and never would. She did.

In “The Farmer’s Daughter” Miss Beebe’s first featured role for Fox Films, one of the important scenes falls for a real country fair with a bathing beauty contest, as the main attraction. The story calls for Miss Beebe, a country girl, to enter and, of course, to win it, which she did. Now sho will have to qualify her proud boast when she denies that she never entered a bathing beauty contest, by adding, “execept in pictures.” A 16TH CENTURY ROMANCE a reputation based largely on romantic stories, told with his characteristic flair for visual brilliance, Samuel Goldwyn adds still another foment, mystery and adventure in his &test co-starring picture for Ronald J-olman and Vilma Banky. “Two bovers,” in which the famous team of make their final appearance, is p n adaptation of the celebrated Orczy novel, “JLeatherface.” Ghent in the 16th century furnishes , background for the story of Donna

*nora of Spain and Mark Van Ryck of landers. Briefly its story concerns restoration of William, Prince of range, to the throne of the Dutch jowlands. The Spaniards, under the j ' r^J ln °ns Duke of Azar, are frustrated ert -- ir attem Pts to stifle Flemish libh” tv, an<i to ca P ture the renegade Prince . the efforts of the mysterious masked n kure, Leatlierface.

ST. JAMES THEATRE EXCELLENT REVUE The Whirligigs Revue Company, which is now in its fourth week at St. James Theatre, is attracting good audiences to the feast of fun and frolic. From the first week the company appeared in Auckland excellent programmes have been submitted, including skits on local topics, revuettes, singing, dancing and an abundance of humour. __ The leaders of the show, Stiffy and Mo, appear this week in a number of very amusing sketches, including “Servants Old and New,’’ showing the difference between the servants of old and the modern article. “The Porters," a short musical comedy revuette, showed the comical pair at their best. The comedians received excellent support from ’Erb, Dan Dunbar and Daisy Merritt in the sketches. The singers of the company, Amy Rochelle, Sadie Gale, Peter Brooks and Dan Weldon, are alt heard in pleasing numbers. The star item of the evening is the "Trio from Faust," in which Miss Rochelle and Messrs. Brooks and Weldon performed excellently. They receive line support from the Charlston Symphonic SIX. The band was also heard in a number of other selections. The Radio Six, in fascinating costumes, again please with the way in which they trip their measures. They have a strenuous time every evening, but they come through with flying colours. The Terry Sisters appear in a difficult simultaneous dance.

This week's show is well worth seeing—excellent comedy and fine singing being blended in an outstanding programme.

The final title of the M.-G.-M. production, previously known as "The Mask of the Devil," starring John Gilbert with Eva Von Berne, is “The Masks of the Devil."

EXQUISITE ROMANCE

“THE STUDENT PRINCE” NEW PICTURE AT STRAND The age-old story of the love of a prince for a, beggar girl—the poignant sweetness of a romance predestined to end fn parting. That is the theme of “The Student Prince,” perhaps the most delicately fascinating picture of its kind that has been seen in Auckland. After the stage version of this delightful play, it was amply evident that a worthy picture creation would be something entirely out of the ordinary, but the film which opened at the Strand Theatre last evening was something more. It contained an appeal that went directly to the onlookers, ancT sank deeply. When an effect is gained by the result of perfect production, combined with flawless photography, and acting of the highest possible calibre, it is difficult to analyse and sort out the pegs on which the success -of a great picture hangs. Moreove,r it is scarcely necessary.

It need only be said that “The Student Prince” carries one away on the wings of a wonderful European romance, the sweetness of which leaves

a flavour that will linger when the memory of lesser pictures has been completely eclipsed. The inns and narrow streets, the beer gardens and the castles of old Heidelberg form a magnificent setting for tho chief scenes of “The Student Prince.”

The story follows that of the musical play which appeared a few months ago in Auckland. The Crown Prince of a European State goes to the famous university of Heidelberg. There he falls in love with the niece of the keeper of the inn at which he stays, but is separated from her when the old king, his uncle, dies. He returns to his kingdom, but on the eve of his marriage with a princess from a neighbouring State, he remembers Heidelberg and the innkeeper’s niece. He returns for a day to the beautiful old town, only to say good-bye for ever to the girl he really loves. Ramon Novarro, as Karl Heinrich, the young prince, gives a performance worthy oZ the part he played in “Ben Hur.” The tragedy of his love for the beautiful Kathi and tho cruel necessity which, by reason of’his royalty, compels him to turn from her and marry a comparative stranger, is movingly pictured.

Norma Shearer, who plays tho part of the charming Kathi, who is loved by arid who loves Prince Karl Heinrich, gives a pathetic representation of the ti'agedy which invariably befel a woman who dared to fall in love with royalty. She realises from the first that there can be no thought of marriage between her and the prince, and at the end resigns herself heartbrokenly to a life of misery with a prosperous countryman—her official fiance.

The picture is preceded by a technicolour play inspired by the famous incident in the life of Sir Walter Raleigh, when he threw his cloak in the mud so that Queen Elizabeth might cross the street dry-shod. During the showing of “The Student Prince” Eve Bentley’s orchestra plays the delightful music from the musical play, and, in a stage prologue to the picture. Miss Etta Feild sings the love song which is the central scene of the play.

MAJESTIC NEW PROGRAMME TO-MORROW “A Certain Young Man,” the bright and amusing comedy-drama, starring Ramon Novarro and Marceline Day, will have its final screening at the Majestic Theatre, this evening. Koanui and the “Midget Moselles,” Miss O’Leary’s talented pupils, will also make their final appearance on the stage. Laughter will be the keynote to the new programme commencing tomorrow. This wiil be headed by “A Girl in Every Port,” a rollicking story of the jolly adventures of a roaming sailor who fought and loved his way through the ports of the seven seas. Victor McLaglen, the star in this picture, will be remembered as having achieved an almost over night fame with his performance in the role of Captain Flagg in “What Price Glory.” The star rolqr of Spike Madden, which

is his in the present picture, is his reward for his work in the war epic. And McLaglen conclusively proves he deserves the coveted honour of star, by his performance as Spike. The story deals with a man-driver on a merchant ship, who as the title tells, has a girl in every port. And what a galaxy of beauties the producers have chosen for McLaglen’s ten leading ladies. Every type is represented from blonde Nordic to dark eyed Brazilian. Louise Brooks, Maria Casajuana, Natalia Joyce, Gretel Yoltz, Leila Hyams and Elena Jurado are some of the well known beauties who play the parts of the hero’s sweethearts in the various ports. There is no need to introduce Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel to Majestic pa.rtons. They are known to everyone, and are two of the most popular comedians presented. No one will therefore, willingly miss their latest and most hilarious success, “Do Detectives Think?”

A Majestic News and a Nature Study film are also on the pictorial programme. The renowned Majestic Quartette will present another picturesque and merry stage interlude, which will ininclude several nigger minstrel songs. Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra will play another outstanding musical programme many gems from famous compositions, and latest popular numbers being included in the incidental music. ROYAL SHOWS “WINGS” “Wings,” the thrilling and spectacular drama of war in the air. will be shown again this evening at the Royal Theatre. Kingsland. The story of “Wings” is that of the aviators in the Great War and the exciting life led by two young airmen. These two boys, played by Charles Rogers and Richard Arlen, go through many exciting adventures together. Clara Bow plays the role of the little ambulance driver in France.

NEW REGENT CHANGE OF PROGRAMME TO-MORROW “Three Sinners,” Pola Negri’s latest drama, will be shown at the New Regent Theatre for the last time this evening. This is a fascinating story of a society woman who was reported killed, and her subsequent meeting with her husband. An entirely new programme will be presented at the New Regent on Friday, with new pictures and a new selection of items from the Stage Band. The new picture is one dealing largely with the American game of

baseball. Richard Dix appears in this picture, which is entitled “Warming Up,” but the American game forms only the background of the plot so that those not acquainted with the game can follow and enjoy the picture. The story defLls mostly with Dix, who, in the role of Bert Tulliver, the hero of the Eureka Bearcats, crashes into the ball park, where the Green Sox are at spring training, and succeeds in incurring the mischievous enmity of Mcßae, the famous “home-run king,” whom the Green Sox have secured, through a shady contact, from the rival team. He is thrown out of the park and meets Mary, daughter of Post, the owner of the Green Sox, through the annoying playfulness of her little nephew.

The attractive dancing unit which has been appearing so successfully at the Regent Theatre for the past three weeks will terminate its season tonight. The Stage Band presentation policy has been such a huge success and has been the subject of such favourable comment that the managing director, Mr. Beaumont Smith, completed arrangements during his recent visit to Sydney with J.C.W. to present this type of entertainment in an even more elaborate form than that already seen here. In preparation for the introduction of the Maurice Diamond Ballet and Presentation, which commences at the Regent Theatre on Friday, November 9, there will be no band presentation during the week commencing to-mor-row. In its place one of the vaudeville world’s greatest comedy novelties, Mardo and Wynne and their talking bulldog, who have just completed an immensely successful tour of the firm’s Australian theatres, will appear for a season of six nights. TWO BIG M-G-M PICTURES During the 1929 season Metro -Goldwyn -Mayer will release in Australia and New Zealand two of the biggest motion pictures ever made. These are “The Trail of ’9B” and “White Shadows in the South Seas.” Both are far off the beaten track of usual motion-pic-ture entertanment, are rich in human appeal and abound in spectacular interludes.

In each instance a powerful story is superbly backed by magnificent and breath-taking natural settings.

INNOCENCE ABROAD SPARKLING “GIRL FRIEND” ANNIE CROFT TRIUMPHS "The Girl Friend,” a musical comedy in two acts, adapted from "Kitty’s Kisses,” by R. P. Weston and Bert Lee, presented at His Majesty’s Theatre last evening by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. CAST: Kitty Brown ------- Annie Croft Robert Mason ----- Reg-. Sharland Jerry, a hotel clerk - - Leo Franklyn Jenny - -- -- -- - Billie Lockwood Richard Dennison ----- Gus Bluett Mrs. Dennison ------ May Beatty Mrs. Burke ------- ivy Parker Mr. Burke ------ Les Donaghey Philip Dennison ----- Frank Leighton Porter - -- -- -- -- Jack Dunne Miss Wendell - -- -- -- - Mary Rigby

Most shows are content to start with a click; "The Girl Friend” goes one better and begins with a railway collision. And from that moment one may say, pardonably perhaps, that the rattling good fun goes full steam ahead for two acts and six scenes. It is also as pretty a scenic trip as one could find, complete with all the delights which make life worth living. Coming events have been casting their shadows, or rather their reflections, before them. A London star cannot leave the northern heavens dimmer by her appearance in Australian skies without New Zealand knowing quite a lot about it. Now "The Girl Friend” has arisen here in her own right and one can only say of her, as Balkis said of some other resplendent cerature, the half was never told.

Annie Croft, slim and fair, and delightfully English, is the innocence abroad in the tuneful, riotous, glad and spectacular affair of the Hotel Wendell. Mellow-throated and nymph-like in her grace of movement, she sings and dances out of the shadows of "dangerous” situations up into the sunshiny little "Blue Room,” which is already a famous place. And what a background she has to be dainty and tuneful against. First of all there is Reg. Sharland, the debonair Englishman, who is the "rising young lawyer” until he meets Kitty Brown, whereupon he takes up a study of musical architecture with marked success.

Then there are the humourists and the show is filled with comedy, most excellent and laughable stuff, dispensed by tall and sinuous Gus Bluett, of the wanton forelock, Leo Franklyn, who makes his first New Zealand audience yell in its mirth, May Beatty, the old favourite, back as a "bite,” with definite ideas on marital fidelity, Billie Lockwood, the brunette who invented the charleston, and found what hotel ’phones were for, and Les Donaghey, who is the little Mr. Burke with the big and bad ideas and —but half the company seems to be original comedy artists. Finally, to put ,the finishing touch to this human background, there is one of the biggest choruses ever brought over here by the firm. Not big in size, of course, but in numbers, and also in beauty, the ensembles are varied and effective, and the ballets arranged by Minnie Hooper, glamorous in arrangement and perfect in technique. The pyjama party at the Hotel Wendell, when all the girls come to wish Kitty Brown, who is a fictitious bride, happy dreams or perhaps the realisation of them, is discreetly gay, no male being allowed to intrude upon the assembly of silken sleepiness. There is a colourful ballet in the garden of the hotel, a setting of glad lawn with mountains rugged in the distance, the girls wearing full and fluffy frocks of blending hues, and the men, back Billie Lockwood up in the vigorous “Step on the Blues,” a good number. "The Girl Friend” has any amount of story for a musical comedy; nothing violently dramatic but just enough tension in it to make everyone breathe a sigh of satisfaction when things, as Mr. Coates would say, have "turned the corner.” That turning doesn’t come to very nearly the final curtain, thanks to the hopeless tangle of wives, husbands and singles caused by the hard-heartedness of the hotel clerk. Kitty Brown and Robert Mason meet on a train and go gathering daisies along the track and singing delightfully of the “Blue Room.” But tho blue prints have a slump because Bob misses tho train through rescuing Kitty’s bag and Kitty arrives in the wild city without anything golden except her hair. To get a bed she

RIALTO, AND REGENT, EPSOM “SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS” Ghosts fluttering about cobwebby beams; hideous faces peering at a beautiful blonde trapped in a den of mysterious creatures; eerie noises and chilling screams, and with it all many laughs and a splash of romance. That is a brief description of what goes on during the action of “Something Always Happens,” Esther Ralston’s lastest picture now being shown at the Rialto and Regent (Epsom) Theatres, The story is, in a few words, a detailed account of hilarious happenings in a haunted house, with Esther Ralston playing the girl in the den of spooks and Neil Hamilton as the boy friend who arranges for the ghostly occurrences, not figuring on a band of real crooks.

"Hard Boiled Haggerty,” a story of a wartime aviator, starring Milton Sills, will also be shown.

NEW BILLIE DOVE PICTURES

Billie Dove, one of the most beautiful women on the screen, is to be starred in "The Heart of a Brincess,” a gorgeously set story which should

prove an ideal vehicle for this lovely star. Miss Dove’s popularity is growing, her mail from admirers being among the largest received by any star, and the line-up of pictures announced for tho coming season should cement that popularity considerably. "The Other To-morrow,” the famous Octavus

Roy Cohen Broadway success has also been chosen by First National for the orchid-like Billie.

enters into a conspiracy to become a Mrs. Dennison for the evening. Of course the unwanted Richard Dennison arrives in the glorious condition which just precedes the "horrors.” Then the fun begins.

Snappy numbers are plentiful in the .show. "The Girl Friend” by Billie Lockwood and Leo Franklyn, is a good thing, and it reoccurs in tantalising rythym on several occasions. Annie Croft sings the gypsy song, "I Travel the Road,” in a delightful solo, and with Reg Sharland she has the brighter moments of “Blue Room” and "Mountain Greenery.” Miss Croft and Gus Bluett, as the trapped and innocent breakers of convention, have two most amusing deshabille numbers. “Early in the Morning” and “What’s the Use of Crying,” “We Must Discwer that Girl,” gives scope for the trio, Bluett, Sharland and Frank Leighton, to caper pleasantly and gave an applause bringing "slow motion” dance. "The Girl Friend” will gather acquaintances in hundreds each evening until November 10, when she is expected to “Hit the Deck.”

SOUND FILMS IN ENGLAND BIG PROGRAMME ARRANGED British Sound Productions, with * programme of six special sound film productions in view, have secured six special sound features of feature length: the first of these will be "Sinews of War,” by Arnold Bennett and Eden Phillpotts. Three acres at Wembley have been secured for the purpose of "talkies and equipment. Twenty-six sketches, mostly from the British variety stag*-, are to be reproduced in addition to many others. “FOUR FLUSHER” AT EMPIRE “The P'our-FI usher” is the title of one of the pictures to be shown at the Empire Theatre this evening. "Four-Flusher” is an American term for a person who indulges in misrepresentation. and that is the theme of this picture. The story commences when Andy Whittaker, an ambitious shoe clerk, who has invented an unmarketed arch supporter, meets June Allen on the street and pretends he is an important business man. But she buys shoes from him that afternoon and later forgives the deception. Robert Riggs, son of the owner, finds them dancing together, and from then on a series of amusing troubles arise. Marion Nixon and George Lewis ar* the stars. "Loves of Carmen,” starring Dolores Del Rio, will also be shown.

Karl Dane made up as a mummy George K. Arthur attired as a flapper —those are two disguises that are very successfully and hilariously' carried out in "Detectives,” the new Metro-Gold wyn - Mayer picture, and an entirely new idea in comedy. It is primarily a mystery thriller, but Dan and Arthur as amateur detectives blunder into every sort of thrill in order to produce a ludicrous anticlimax. Marceline Day’ plays tin* leading feminine role, while Tenon Holtz. Polly* Moran. Felicia Dronova. Totsu Komai and Clarence Lyle are included in the supporting cast.